Wake Up With The Sixer Sense — Elton Brand Praises Team

The Philadelphia 76ers, after many cries from several fans, finally brought in a big-name veteran to their roster in Elton Brand. Brand will be able to mentor the roster, and is already showing excitement in being on the team, and praised their effort, even in practice. It has to be wondered, though, how much did Jerry Colangelo play into this? Apparently, he played into the signing a lot.

Here’s all the morning news you need to know.

Colangelo Upbeat about Roster, Brown, & Sixers Plan — Sixers.com

"“It’s exciting to see a bunch of young guys enjoying playing again,”  Colangelo, a four-time NBA Executive of the Year award recipient, told McGinnis.  “It’s also very amazing, just bringing in Ish to put something into the backcourt in terms of distributing the ball and raising everyone’s expectations a little bit, it’s made a big difference for sure.” Smith’s impact has been difficult to ignore.  Aside from Smith contributing directly to wins, the offense has experienced a substantial spike with him manning the point guard spot.  The Sixers are generating nearly 101 points per game since Smith’s arrival, almost 10 points higher than their average before his return.  Additionally, the Sixers’ pace rate (possessions per 48 minutes) has jumped from 99.5 to 101.8.  Furthermore, the squad’s turnover average has been trimmed by about 2.5 per game. Colangelo said, “I think whenever you have a point guard that can break down a defense, and be a real distributor when required, and his scoring seems to have gotten better from what I remember of him in the past.  So, collectively, he’s made great contributions as we move along on this journey.”"

Brand Gets Started, Calls Return “Surreal” — Sixers.com

"“It’s surreal,” said Brand about being back in a gym, with the Sixers, and rebooting his lengthy career that produced a pair of All-Star selections over the past 16 years.  “A lot of fun.  Came in, not too many expectations on the court. I did OK.  I feel good about that.” Having mentally committed to retirement this off-season, Brand, who was with the Sixers from 2008 through 2012, suddenly found himself presented with the chance to rejoin the squad when Chairman of Basketball Operations Jerry Colangelo contacted him not too long after Colangelo’s hiring on December 7th.  At first, Brand was uncertain if he wanted to take the offer.  Ultimately, he accepted, believing that he could have a positive influence on the youthful club. “This chapter was done. I had made peace with it,” Brand said.  “I was honored and very thankful for the opportunity to be an NBA basketball player, especially for so long to have that longevity.  So now, being out here again, I’ll make the best of it.”"

Colangelo engineered Brand’s signing with Sixers — Philly.com

"“It is so much deeper than putting a suit on him and thinking you are going to get the value out of him that I want to get out of him.” Colangelo contacted Brand shortly after being hired by the Sixers on Dec. 8. Then Brand had a breakfast meeting with general manager Sam Hinkie. “Then Jerry and I spoke again and it got from ‘We’d love to have you around [a few] hours a week’ to really coming on and being a part of this to ‘What about you as a player?’ ” Brand said. At first, “I was just like, ‘Nah, I’m not a player.’ That’s why it took so long.”"